Dispersion in contemporary documentary making and issues it raises in representing reality
Authors
Mustafov, Erol
Issue Date
2006
Degree
BA (Hons) Media and Marketing Studies
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
The following project attempts to gain inside in the conventions of the contemporary documentary format and more particularly after the 1990's when various factors led to changes and dispersion of the genre. It discusses issues arising from the changing trends and techniques in the genre and their effect on representing reality. The first chapter presents some core theories and theorists and discusses issues related to realism and objectivity. It also strives to define the genre and its core modes expository and observational. The separation between fiction and documentary is also discussed. Dispersion in contemporary documentary making and issues it raises in representing reality. Next chapters raise the issues that led to changes and appearance of new forms of documentary and its subgenres. The arguments revolve around the undermined status of the traditional style and techniques, opposed to the new emerging innovative styles and reflexive modes. Postmodern theory is also discussed in this chapter, applied to the new range of media texts, and weighed against the modernist traditions. Major issue argued here are how these new techniques affect the representation of reality and the status of documentary making. These are supported by various examples drawn from docu-soaps, reality (lifestyle) shows and makeovers. In the third chapter priority was given to technological advancements, as this was considered a major factor in the changing conventions of traditional documentary making in recent years. It explores in more detail the new techniques employed by the documentary category and apart from critics, it also looks at the opinions of producers and crew in relation to the advantages and limitations of using technology. The last chapter is a text analysis for a selected programme for the purpose of the project. It attempts to present a relevant example of the newly emerged hybrid formats. It also discusses issues concerning the purpose of creating these types of programmes and the techniques used in their construction.